The present name was adopted in 1882, for Clayton W. Slayton, an early settler.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 343 people, 127 households, and 107 families residing in the township.

14.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Slayton Township is located in Minnesota's 1st congressional district, represented by Mankato educator Tim Walz, a Democrat.

At the state level, Slayton Township is located in Senate District 22, represented by Republican Doug Magnus, and in House District 22A, represented by Republican Joe Schomacker.